Creature Academy Opening Convocation: AUG 8-9

Dear Esteemed Families,

We formally invite you to join in the Opening Convocation of the Creature Academy, honoring the incoming Class of 2026. This ceremonial gathering marks the official commencement of your students’ journey into the next chapter of learning, stewardship, and discovery.

As a cooperative academy nestled deep within the enchanted wilds, our students are not mere pupils—they are caretakers, creators, collaborators, and stewards of the land. Each member of our learning community shares in: cooking, cleaning, teaching, tending to the gardens, and maintaining the grounds. At Creature Academy, we cultivate the values of creativity, kindness, discipline, and mutual respect.

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:

Advance ticket purchase is required to attend the Matriculation Ceremony. There is no limit on the number of tickets a family may purchase. Once a seating is full, it will be marked as sold out. We will add additional seatings if needed. We request you purchase all tickets in a single transaction to help us seat your party together.

Ticket Pricing

  • General Admission: $20 per guest
    Includes a three-course meal and non-alcoholic beverages. Ticket proceeds directly support event staffing, food preparation, and artistic programming.

  • Children (Ages 6 and under): $10
    Includes a half-portion meal. Please use the code KIDS at checkout for a $10 discount.

  • Lapsitters: Children who will be sitting on a guardian’s lap and not receiving a meal do not require a ticket.

Scholarships: Families with financial need may use the code CEREMONY50 at checkout to receive a 50% discount on their ticket purchase.

SEATING TIMES

Please click the corresponding link to purchase tickets for your preferred time slot:

  • Friday, August 8th, 3:30 - 5:15pm

  • Friday, August 8th, 5:45 - 7:30pm

  • Saturday, August 9th, 11:00 - 12:45pm

  • Saturday, August 9th, 1:15 - 3:00pm

  • Saturday, August 9th, 3:30pm - 5:15pm

WAITLIST

If your preferred seating is sold out, please purchase tickets for a different available time and add your name to the waitlist for your preferred seating. If a spot opens up, we’ll contact you and arrange the transfer. While we’ll do our best to accommodate requests, please note that we are unable to increase the capacity of individual seatings.

ABOUT THE CEREMONY

The Opening Convocation is an invitation into the living traditions of the academy. As part of their matriculation, each student will prepare and/or serve a handcrafted, three-course meal to their honored guests. This act symbolizes their readiness to contribute fully to our shared life of learning and care.

After the meal is served, students will join their families to eat, reflecting on the path that brought them here, and preparing for the road ahead. The ceremony concludes with final reflections and closing remarks. Students will speak of their personal callings, the skills they hope to cultivate, and how they will serve the academy and its greater mission.

The Journey Begins

Following the ceremony, you will say farewell to your students as they begin their journey through the Enchanted Forest. Over the course of three days’ travel on foot, they will cross streams, climb mountains and learn from the forest's silent teachers. Upon reaching the gates of Creature Academy, their studies will officially begin.

We look forward to celebrating their achievements with you.

With wonder and anticipation,
The Faculty and Guardians of Creature Academy

IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION:

Will my student serve my table?

Students will be given the opportunity to select either a front-of-house or back-of-house role. Those serving front-of-house will welcome guests, host tables, and present each course. Students working back-of-house will collaborate in the kitchen as chefs and culinary assistants. If your student is in a kitchen role, another student will be designated to serve your table. At the conclusion of the meal, all student chefs will join their families at the table to dine and reflect.

Do I need to purchase a ticket for my student?

No. Tickets are only required for guests. Student meals are provided at no additional cost, and students will enjoy the meal alongside their families after completing their service duties.

WHAT DOES MY STUDENT NEED TO WEAR?

Students are encouraged to dress in a way that honors the magical, celebratory nature of the occasion. Costume options are plentiful—students may choose to:

  • Create a costume at camp. Note that there are a LOT of activities to chose from, and not all students will elect to create costumes at camp

  • Bring costume items from home

  • Select from our camp costume collection when they arrive (including space suits, headpieces, chef hats, visors, punk jackets, and more)

  • Alternatively, students are welcome to wear formal attire such as a suit, dress, or other special garments.

  • Please note: closed-toed shoes are required, and students may not wear jeans or t-shirts. The key expectation is that students wear something that feels special to them.

IF MY STUDENT MAKES A COSTUME FOR THE EVENT, WILL THEY LEAVE IT AT CAMP?

Weeks 1 & 2: Students will take all belongings home at the end of each week. No costume pieces will be stored at camp

Week 3 (August 4–8):

  • Friday seating students will leave their costumes at camp, staged in the Quiet Room.

  • Saturday seating students must take all belongings home on Friday and arrive dressed for the event, to prevent any lost items.

What should my student expect upon arrival at the event?

Students will gather in the Quiet Room (our dedicated green room for restaurant staff). Upon arrival, students will receive their name badges and change into a costume if needed. Staff will lead a brief review of roles and responsibilities before students begin welcoming guests and serving the first course.

DOES MY STUDENT NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH THEM?

All students will prepare a matriculation speech during camp, which will be rehearsed and finalized throughout their session. We will hold these speeches—as well as student name tags—at camp until the event. If a student created a costume at camp, they should bring the costume with them at their designated time.

If my student is in the 5:30 seating, do I need to pick them up?

Students assigned to the 5:30 seating may remain at camp for aftercare, which will be hosted upstairs. Aftercare is available for $15 and can be paid via Venmo (@artcamp504). Students will enjoy a quiet rest period with a movie, a healthy snack, and an ice pop. They will then rejoin the event when their seating begins. Alternatively, you may pick your student up by 3:30 and then return at 5:30 for your seating.

HOW WILL I PICK MY STUDENT UP IF THEY ARE IN AFTERCARE ON FRIDAY?

Upon arrival, simply notify the host that you are there to retrieve your student. A staff member will escort them downstairs from the aftercare space.